Crews Try to Contain Colo. Wildfire

KIOWA, Colo. (AP) _ Crews worked overnight trying to control a wildfire that destroyed at least two homes and prompted evacuations of about 20 homes.

Elbert County sheriff's deputy Shayne Heat said the fire had grown to more than 10 acres Friday.

"Winds shifted and they're having trouble controlling the flames," he said.

The fire was burning in grass and trees in Kiowa, a town of about 600 about 40 miles southeast of Denver. The blaze started at about 2:30 p.m. Eight fire departments responded.

Residents cut wire fences to let horses escape the flames. Heat said a rancher offered to shelter animals on his land but none were taken there by 9 p.m.

Donna Hawkins said crews doused her home with fire-retardant foam.

"The fire somehow started across the street from my house and it's working its way northeast," she said. "It sure doesn't seem like this is under control right now."

About 18 people went to a temporary shelter at Bijou Baptist Church in Agate, about 25 miles east of Kiowa. Pikes Peak Red Cross spokeswoman Ann Carlisle-Holcomb said officials were searching for another shelter site because the church has no running water.

"We're working on getting people something to eat and then we'll get them situated for the night and wait and see what happens when the sun comes up," she said.